Firestone Central Coast Merlot 2004

Paul Giamatti's "Sideways" character "Miles" exclaimed "I'm not drinking Merlot"; forgive me if I do. Andrew Firestone and his associates are turning out a complex Merlot from Sideways country (Central Coast) that tastes like good Bordeaux, at a fraction of the cost.

Firestone is hosting a wine dinner in Nashville on the ides of March (the 15th) in conjunction with the Nashville Predators Wine Tasting Festival at Gaylord Entertainment Center. (There are still tickets available as of this posting.)

Firestone Central Coast Merlot 2004 was sourced from both estate vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley and contract growers in Paso Robles. Aging averaged 16 months in mostly French oak, with some American and Hungarian barrels added. The blend includes 7% Cabernet Franc.

Excellent value: ($12). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 13.5%.

Style: Complex yet fruit forward; in other words a "right bank Bordeaux" styled wine with new world sensibilities.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep cranberry with purple edges and a slight haze. Aromas: Cherry, plum, raspberry, hints of vanilla, toffee, menthol tobacco and earth. Medium-bodied and well structured red fruit and supporting roasted sweet red pepper and cedary oak tones lead to a buttoned-down warm dry finish.

Comment: This is Merlot!